I might be a little biased but Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines really are one of the friendliest cruise lines and their staff on shore and crew on board their ships are always so helpful! Since my first ship visit with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on board Black Watch in August 2010, I've now had the pleasure of either visiting or sailing aboard all four ships in the fleet. (I've sailed on 3 of the 4, just Black Watch to tick off my list!)

On 21 May 2016 we'll be saying hello to our friends at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines again as they've so kindly agreed to allow us to step aboard Braemar in Southampton for a ship visit and to also hopefully see my drawing displayed aboard too, which I presented on my first cruise with them in April 2015.

Our cruise on Braemar was only a short 2 night trip from Harwich to Amsterdam and back, so it will be wonderful to see the ship again. I'll be joined aboard by our Non-Executive Director, Gavin Pamment who joined me on the cruise in April. Our Cruise Ambassador, Jordan Bailey will also be tagging along and this will be his first time aboard Braemar so naturally he's really looking forward to stepping aboard.

Make sure you keep your eyes out for our comprehensive and detailed ship visit review upon our return, complete with plenty of photos.

Until next time... happy cruising!

After many hours of hard work, I've now completed my drawing of the new world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International's Harmony of the Seas. I'm really proud of it so hope that you like it!

The brand new 227,000 tonne cruise ship arrived in Southampton earlier this morning for the very first time. Unfortunately I couldn't be there in person as I was busy finishing my drawing but can't wait to step aboard on Sunday and set sail on our 4 night cruise. I'm looking forward to meeting so many of you too.

Whilst on board I hope to have the chance to meet with the Captain to present my drawing to him. Harmony of the Seas will be the 75th ship which my drawings have been presented or displayed aboard.

You can view more photos of the drawing in our A-Z drawing gallery. Below are just a few questions and answers about the drawing. Should you have another question please don't be shy and ask away!

Answer: Like the giant ship itself my drawing is on a huge scale too. It's nearly 7 feet long and 19 inches tall!
​

Answer: I started work on the drawing on 29 April and finished it on 17 May. In total I would estimate I spent around 50 hours drawing and colouring the ship.
​

Answer: The drawing will be presented to Captain Gus Andersson during our 4 night cruise on board.
​

sAnswer: Like all my drawing, this is a unique one-off as I do not produce prints of my artwork. However should you be interested in a drawing of Harmony of the Seas, you can complete our get a quote form for more information or contact us directly.
​

This year is really flying by... Back in March (Nearly 2 months ago now!) I spent 9 nights on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' flagship, Balmoral along with our Non-Executive Director, Gavin Pamment. We were originally booked on board for 7 nights, but extended our time on board by booking the mini cruise which followed.

During our 7 night cruise, whilst docked in Hamburg, Germany, Gavin and I were invited to the bridge to meet with the Captain and present my drawing. The Chief Officer met us in reception shortly after 10:00 and escorted us to the bridge, where ​Captain Lars Juel Kjeldsen and the Hotel Director greeted us.

​The Captain and Hotel Director seemed very impressed with the drawing and pointed out that it was the first time Balmoral had been depicted in Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' new livery, the grey hull with red stripe. They promised to find a place on board to display the drawing and mentioned that there was a suitably sized space in the midship passenger stairwell.

As we left the bridge I was a little cheeky and asked the Chief Officer if there was anyway I could have a ship model in return for my drawing. For the majority of my drawings which I present, I am presented with a gift in exchange for the drawing. So I asked if it was possible to have one of the ship models, as I have one of Black Watch and Boudicca. (I didn't get one of Braemar). The Chief Officer said he would see what he could do and that it shouldn't be a problem.

On the last night of the 7 night cruise, the Hotel Director presented him with a ship model after the Captain's Farewell Cocktail party. So it was worth asking. I believe you don't get far in life without asking and being a little cheeky from time to time. 

​If you're on board Balmoral at some point, keep a look out for my drawing as you explore the ship. Maybe even send us a photo!